touchstone
Well-Known Member
However it is a huge risk, and there aren't too many people wanting to take on a horse which needs expensive/painful medical treatment which may not be successful, and that needs to be taken into consideration.
My horse is unsellable (sarcoids)
- Thread starter R.A.H
- Start date
However it is a huge risk, and there aren't too many people wanting to take on a horse which needs expensive/painful medical treatment which may not be successful, and that needs to be taken into consideration.
burtie
Well-Known Member
I would just like to point out to those who say 'it's only a sarcoid' have obviously never had to deal with the aggressive and constantly returning form.
Sarcoids can be a million things, ranging from trivial to life threatening. I owned my mare from 10 months to her being PTS at 15 due to sarcoids. Her first lot was removed at 4, when they returned I tried all the homoeopathic remedies, Thuja, Sarc Ex (for 18 months), and whilst maybe they slowed the growth (who knows) they certainly didn't stop it. She was re-liverpool creamed at around 11, which failed totally (I knew it was a long shot due to her history). Then all we could do was manage the situation until it became clear her quality of life was severely effected.
The horse in this post has already been treated a number of times and still they return, it's very very unlikely at this they will simply go away, they will progress. IMHO selling or passing the horse on is very irresponsible and if I was in the OPs position given the facts we have here I would PTS. Believe me it is not something done lightly.
Sarcoids can be a million things, ranging from trivial to life threatening. I owned my mare from 10 months to her being PTS at 15 due to sarcoids. Her first lot was removed at 4, when they returned I tried all the homoeopathic remedies, Thuja, Sarc Ex (for 18 months), and whilst maybe they slowed the growth (who knows) they certainly didn't stop it. She was re-liverpool creamed at around 11, which failed totally (I knew it was a long shot due to her history). Then all we could do was manage the situation until it became clear her quality of life was severely effected.
The horse in this post has already been treated a number of times and still they return, it's very very unlikely at this they will simply go away, they will progress. IMHO selling or passing the horse on is very irresponsible and if I was in the OPs position given the facts we have here I would PTS. Believe me it is not something done lightly.
scarymare
Well-Known Member
Not a good idea. If you sell to somebody who can only afford a cheap price then they wont/cant afford what is a very expensive treatment option.
Swirlymurphy
Well-Known Member
Morning OP. I'm a bit out of kilter with this forum at the moment. Horses ears are very sensitive and you also need to consider the flies and maggots, the pain of the laser etc.
You have genuinely tried to fix this. The sarcoids look like they will always return - the expense of this is prohibitive. Don't sell for no money - that would be irresponsible. IMO PTS is the best option here. Sorry to be so blunt, and like I said, I am out of kilter with everyone else.
^^^^^
Agree with this.
R.A.H
Well-Known Member
i agree with this.
When i 1st advertised him, it wasn't coming back on his ear. It has started to return in the past few weeks. This is why i'm having doubts that i'm doing the right thing by selling him.
KSR
Well-Known Member
Then go with your gut..
What with all the horrid things that have happened in his short life, go with your instincts..
Whatever you choose will be right for him I'm sure..
What with all the horrid things that have happened in his short life, go with your instincts..
Whatever you choose will be right for him I'm sure..
ILuvCowparsely
Well-Known Member
I fail to understand this comment !!!!
Why would someone not want him? ( sarcoid aisde)
how many pet owners have dogs/ cats / horses with a disability like 3 legs cats ears removed due to cancer?
a one eared horse?? SO WHAT !!! as mentioned western bridles have on ear bridles ( I know I have two of them ) .
Pts is not your only option, its an easy get out clause which removes the horse from your mind and you then don't have to worry about him, this isn't criminal but explore other avenues first...
^ I totally agree with this
a few articles of one eared horses /foal
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/275799.html
take a look at this article of bridles and horses with 1 ear
.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=h...XJIqv8QP9xojwBQ&ved=0CHkQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=638
.
R.A.H
Well-Known Member
I have paid alot of money for this horse and have put alot of time, money and effort trying to get him right. So it's not a decision i will make lightly. I will see what the vet says but i don't think i'll go down the laser surgery route again. I will have to see at what rate it grows. If it would stay the same size and not get the size of a tennis ball then it would be managable. Time will tell.
R.A.H
Well-Known Member
SO WHAT!
So what if i have his ear removed and then the sarcoid returns on the top of his head wear his ear would have been, what do we cut off next?
I can't see how it's fair to make him go through that every 6 to 9 months. As you certainly couldn't leave him with a sarcoid the size of a tennis ball on his head that is weeping and bleeding.
touchstone
Well-Known Member
The link to that article is about a dog attack though, the issue here is that the sarcoid will be likely to return, even with his ear removed there would be nothing stopping a sarcoid popping up at the surgery site or elsewhere considering he already others. It also means more expense and painful treatment, and as sad as it is, not everybody can continue with expensive veterinary procedures indefinitely. (eta I don't believe that this is fair on the horse either.\0
I don't believe for one minute that pts is an 'easy get out clause' for the op.
I don't believe for one minute that pts is an 'easy get out clause' for the op.
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thatsmygirl
Well-Known Member
I don't agree, iv given a horse away before and still stay in touch with the owners now, iv got 2 which were free and iv also sold one for a fair bit off money who is now in a rescue center as he was mistreated and they brought him.
Sell him or give him away free you can't say he will get a good home either way I'm afraid.
Sell him or give him away free you can't say he will get a good home either way I'm afraid.
ghostie
Well-Known Member
I think you're in a very difficult position, and all credit to you for doing your best for your horse. I don't think that considering PTS is the 'easy way out' at all and I appreciate that if you go for that route it will be because you feel you have no other choice, and I think people should respect that.
If I were in your position I think I would try to find the horse a loving loan home, preferably by word of mouth and maybe on the condition that the horse stays at a specified yard so you can keep an eye. If the sarcoid worsens so much that it is affecting quality of life then and/or prohibitively expensive treatment is needed then at that point you could make the decision to PTS, although you might find that the loaner offers ton contribute to the treatment if they've really bonded with the horse.
However, if you can't find a suitable loan home where you trust he will be well looked after and/or you think his quality of life is going down hill rapidly then the kindest thing would be to PTS.
Good luck whatever you decide xx
If I were in your position I think I would try to find the horse a loving loan home, preferably by word of mouth and maybe on the condition that the horse stays at a specified yard so you can keep an eye. If the sarcoid worsens so much that it is affecting quality of life then and/or prohibitively expensive treatment is needed then at that point you could make the decision to PTS, although you might find that the loaner offers ton contribute to the treatment if they've really bonded with the horse.
However, if you can't find a suitable loan home where you trust he will be well looked after and/or you think his quality of life is going down hill rapidly then the kindest thing would be to PTS.
Good luck whatever you decide xx
Flame_
Well-Known Member
This horse has an ongoing health problem so it should remain the OP's responsibility to keep trying to treat it or PTS. If the OP can find someone to use the horse and take on upkeep costs (eta if the OP is prepared to keep treating the problem) that would be a solution, perhaps for a number of years, but it would be irresponsible for this horse to change hands IMO.
Lucyad
Well-Known Member
Have you tied sarc-off bloodroot paste? I have used it with great results on awkwardly located sarcoids, on recommendation from my vet, who has had other succeses as well. It isn't too agresive so shouldn't affect the healthy part of his ear - it is also under £100 for a tub that lasts for ages. I'm sure that it doesn't work on all Sarcoids, or would be much more widely known and used, but at this stage it certaily seems worth a go?
Ibblebibble
Well-Known Member
if i was the OP i would let him continue as he is until the next growth becomes invasive to his quality of life and then i would have him PTS. it is unfair to expect anyone else to take him on with his history, all the promises of a good home for life , although well intentioned, would not convince me.
Not a nice or easy decision to have to make R.A.H and those that think it is an easy get out option are possibly from another planet
why on earth would you have put him through previous treatment if you didn't care for him and want to do the best for him?!
Not a nice or easy decision to have to make R.A.H and those that think it is an easy get out option are possibly from another planet
why on earth would you have put him through previous treatment if you didn't care for him and want to do the best for him?!Bright_Spark
Well-Known Member
How on earth can anyone think PTS is an 'easy' option?
The OP has already treated this sarcoid 3 times, and it's growing back again- how many times should she put her horse and herself through this?
IMO OP, I think that you are being very sensible in considering PTS rather than sending your boy off to an uncertain future. I do feel for you.
It's all very well saying that lovely homes are out there, but how many times on this forum have we heard of 'loving homes' that turn out to be anything but?
The OP has already treated this sarcoid 3 times, and it's growing back again- how many times should she put her horse and herself through this?
IMO OP, I think that you are being very sensible in considering PTS rather than sending your boy off to an uncertain future. I do feel for you.
It's all very well saying that lovely homes are out there, but how many times on this forum have we heard of 'loving homes' that turn out to be anything but?
Siskomum
New User
Hi... have been reading this thread and would like to offer a solution that helped my Appalloosa who had a large sarcoid that was open and weeping near his groin on very thin tissue..
I found a homeopathic remedy called Thuja and purchased cream and tablets for under £15.. this was used for a couple of months and the sarcoid disappeared totally.. This was much preferable to burning/cutting etc and he wasn't bothered in the slightest having cream put on it.. tablets he ate like sweeties...
Give it a go.. here's a thread I answered on another forum with positive results..
I am listing 2 websites for the Thuja Cream, worked a treat, Sisko's sarcoid was roughly 2.5inches in diameter (had been tiny for years but kicked at flies and it bled and got bigger). Got the recommendation for Thuja Cream from a forum and bought the tablets & cream. He has had a break for a few months and will repeat treatment. No ill effects and was about 3-4 weeks to notice a difference. You must give the tablets and put cream on consistently..
http://www.naturalhorsesupplies.co.u...+60g++%A31199/
http://www.equi-therapy.net/equi-the...sarcoids.shtml
I found a homeopathic remedy called Thuja and purchased cream and tablets for under £15.. this was used for a couple of months and the sarcoid disappeared totally.. This was much preferable to burning/cutting etc and he wasn't bothered in the slightest having cream put on it.. tablets he ate like sweeties...
Give it a go.. here's a thread I answered on another forum with positive results..
I am listing 2 websites for the Thuja Cream, worked a treat, Sisko's sarcoid was roughly 2.5inches in diameter (had been tiny for years but kicked at flies and it bled and got bigger). Got the recommendation for Thuja Cream from a forum and bought the tablets & cream. He has had a break for a few months and will repeat treatment. No ill effects and was about 3-4 weeks to notice a difference. You must give the tablets and put cream on consistently..
http://www.naturalhorsesupplies.co.u...+60g++%A31199/
http://www.equi-therapy.net/equi-the...sarcoids.shtml
Marydoll
Well-Known Member
Where he is at the moment if he was mine id go for laser surgery again, yes im aware the ears are very sensitive but he will be sedated for it and there is good analgesia for post surgery temporary discomfort.
I do agree that if it reaches his head you have no choice but to pts, but i personally dont think hes there yet, at the end of the day, the choice is yours not mine but youve not tried the surgery with the suppliment yet.
If you dont mind me asking How much did the surgery cost ?
R.A.H
Well-Known Member
I have been wary of putting anything on his sarcoids. As its a type of skin cancer. Its been quite an aggressive sarcoid in the past i don't want to make it anymore aggressive, but i will speak to my vet about it.
R.A.H
Well-Known Member
the laser surgery cost around £800. It was £500 for the laser surgery alone, for that he said he would do as many sarcoids as possible whilst having standing sedation. We decided to just concentrete on his ear. The other £300 was for sedation, which he had a lot of and for antibiotic bute etc.
The vet that did the laser surgery was very good. I would definatley recommend him.
touchstone
Well-Known Member
^^^ Which proves the point that it would be unwise to pass this horse on.
Rebecca1988
Well-Known Member
I would just ring the vet and have a serious talk with them. It's obvious the sarcoid isn't going to get better. See what they say about which direction to take. I personally wouldn't put him through another treatment as looking at his ear and seeing how much has gone already.
If your out of funds to treat this, then you shouldn't really pass him onto someone else via selling, loaning or free to a good home. But I do agree with the others you can't really have him pts.
If you've run out of treatment options then unfortunately let the sarcoid run it's course. Have you spoken to redwings or another rescue home? I'm sure if you explain the situation to them, they might possibly take him on.
It's such a shame to have a healthy horse pts. I hope you sort this out I really feel for you!
If your out of funds to treat this, then you shouldn't really pass him onto someone else via selling, loaning or free to a good home. But I do agree with the others you can't really have him pts.
If you've run out of treatment options then unfortunately let the sarcoid run it's course. Have you spoken to redwings or another rescue home? I'm sure if you explain the situation to them, they might possibly take him on.
It's such a shame to have a healthy horse pts. I hope you sort this out I really feel for you!
martlin
Well-Known Member
But it's not healthyI would just ring the vet and have a serious talk with them. It's obvious the sarcoid isn't going to get better. See what they say about which direction to take. I personally wouldn't put him through another treatment as looking at his ear and seeing how much has gone already.
If your out of funds to treat this, then you shouldn't really pass him onto someone else via selling, loaning or free to a good home. But I do agree with the others you can't really have him pts.
If you've run out of treatment options then unfortunately let the sarcoid run it's course. Have you spoken to redwings or another rescue home? I'm sure if you explain the situation to them, they might possibly take him on.
It's such a shame to have a healthy horse pts. I hope you sort this out I really feel for you!
It's got sarcoids that are problematic... And, yes, of course the OP can have the horse PTS, sometimes we have to be realistic, I'm sure there are lots of things she could spend money on, if she had the money to spend in the first place. As it stands, if another surgery is not an option (for whatever reason, financial or not) and the sarcoid re-grows, I believe that putting the horse down is not a bad decision.
Rebecca1988
Well-Known Member
I meant other than the sarcoids the horse is healthy & happy.
Littlelegs
Well-Known Member
Not a nice position to be in op. Obviously depending on what a vet says about treatment options, would he be able to go on loan to either a riding school or a college that would keep him all year round? That way with no upkeep it would free up finances for treatment. If that's not an option then I think pts is a kinder option than giving away, unless you know the home extremely well. The sad fact is there's enough free & cheap horses out there that don't need expensive health care, which makes finding a good home for yours unlikely. Good luck whatever you decide.
rhino
Well-Known Member
Sorry OP, sarcoids can be an absolute curse and it's clear to me at least that you are desperately trying to do what is best for your horse.
Do you honestly believe there are enough good homes for all the unwanted horses out there? Surely charities wouldn't be overflowing if that were the case, or hundreds of perfectly healthy (which the OP's horse is not) horses and ponies going for slaughter each month?
Easy? Easy? How on earth is having a loved animal put to sleep an easy decision? I really don't understand your post and if I were the OP I would be quite offended by it. Similarly Leviathan - a horse with a healed injury is quite different from an invasive form of skin cancer, which is recurring despite all treatment 
Quite right. While these threads are always overflowing with all sorts of advice on quack treatments with no evidence of efficacy, it is reassuring to hear that you are taking professional advice. I have seen a few horses over the years who were put down due to sarcoids, when they were becoming a welfare issue. I don't feel that was the wrong decision for them.
Good luck x
Do you honestly believe there are enough good homes for all the unwanted horses out there? Surely charities wouldn't be overflowing if that were the case, or hundreds of perfectly healthy (which the OP's horse is not) horses and ponies going for slaughter each month?
Pts is not your only option, its an easy get out clause which removes the horse from your mind and you then don't have to worry about him, this isn't criminal but explore other avenues first
Easy? Easy? How on earth is having a loved animal put to sleep an easy decision? I really don't understand your post
and if I were the OP I would be quite offended by it. Similarly Leviathan - a horse with a healed injury is quite different from an invasive form of skin cancer, which is recurring despite all treatment Quite right. While these threads are always overflowing with all sorts of advice on quack treatments with no evidence of efficacy, it is reassuring to hear that you are taking professional advice. I have seen a few horses over the years who were put down due to sarcoids, when they were becoming a welfare issue. I don't feel that was the wrong decision for them.
Good luck x
Onemorefling
New User
My horse had a sarcoid at the end of his penis, over time it grew and luckily with successful surgery it has not grown back. There not nice to deal with and I understand how you feel, but really think about what you want to do and dont regret your decision. Don't take peoples advice/opinions to heart, this is a forum after all. Good luck
Persephone
Well-Known Member
Well done to you!
I think a lot of people unwittingly sabotage the chances of successfully treating sarcoids by messing about first with products that are not proven.
It reduces the chances of the proven remedies working by a high percentage.
georgie0
Well-Known Member
i had 3 big ones removed very successfully with blood root ointment. it was fantastic stuff.
lialls
Well-Known Member
Hi R.A.H
I really feel for you, I had a TB mare with sarcoides put down as Liverpool didn't think treatment would be sucessful and my vets wern't hopeful either. She had them on the point of shoulder as well as other places so wouldn't be able to wear a rug and she was just general so depressed that it was the only kind thing to do. That put a side, Squid is totaly differnt.
Knowing your boy (old student) and how he coped with it last time i think that you have to get it treated now before it gets too much for him to cope with. I dont think that he coped badly with it but when it was at its worst it wasn't nice for him or us to deal with him. I remember helping treat him a couple of times, it was quite a mission as he was very guarded about it by then.
Personaly, I probly wouldn't sell him with it, mainly for fear that if it came back liek it did last time someone else would not get it treated.
How is he now with having the ear touched? and to get a bridle on?
Its a hard one as he was general always happy in himself, even when it was big! Didn't you look in to his gut not working properly too incase it was steming from that? Where did that go in the end? I'm just trying to think of anything that may help. Have you had a second opinion on it? What do the yard staff think? They know him well and have been managing it and doing some of the treatment on his ear, what do they think to do?
I do believe that if the yard staff thought he should be pts then they would say (if asked), personly i dont think its his time yet (though i havn't seen him for the last year so things might have changed).
I really feel for you, I had a TB mare with sarcoides put down as Liverpool didn't think treatment would be sucessful and my vets wern't hopeful either. She had them on the point of shoulder as well as other places so wouldn't be able to wear a rug and she was just general so depressed that it was the only kind thing to do. That put a side, Squid is totaly differnt.
Knowing your boy (old student) and how he coped with it last time i think that you have to get it treated now before it gets too much for him to cope with. I dont think that he coped badly with it but when it was at its worst it wasn't nice for him or us to deal with him. I remember helping treat him a couple of times, it was quite a mission as he was very guarded about it by then.
Personaly, I probly wouldn't sell him with it, mainly for fear that if it came back liek it did last time someone else would not get it treated.
How is he now with having the ear touched? and to get a bridle on?
Its a hard one as he was general always happy in himself, even when it was big! Didn't you look in to his gut not working properly too incase it was steming from that? Where did that go in the end? I'm just trying to think of anything that may help. Have you had a second opinion on it? What do the yard staff think? They know him well and have been managing it and doing some of the treatment on his ear, what do they think to do?
I do believe that if the yard staff thought he should be pts then they would say (if asked), personly i dont think its his time yet (though i havn't seen him for the last year so things might have changed).